Sunday, April 9, 2017

Ethan came to me this afternoon and told me that he found a good spot for me to hide an Easter egg. Here is how our conversation went:

Ethan: Mom, you could hide an Easter egg here.
Me: You mean the Easter Bunny can hide an egg there?
Ethan: No, you.
Me: What do you mean? Why do you think that I hide the eggs?
Ethan: Because there's no such thing as big bunnies. I think it's really parents.

Hooray for Spring Break! We were all ready for some time off from work and school. We had planned to hold "Family Fun Week" part 2, but it didn't really work out due to the fact that Brett was working everyday to lay the wood floor in our cabin at Bear Lake. Cameron was his hard-working assistant and between the two of them they managed to complete their project. It turned out so beautiful!

Sunday, April 2, 2017

Brett and I have always dreamed of one day having a family cabin. We have worked and saved for many years to make this dream a reality. Last summer we began exploring the idea of buying a cabin in Bear Lake. We met with a realtor and looked at several existing cabins there, but just couldn't find anything that felt right. After striking out with that idea, we decided to look into building our own cabin. Brett and his mom (Lynda) found a beautiful lot in Fish Haven, ID, and we were off and running. We found a fantastic local builder and he broke ground back in November, 2016. Luckily we had several months of good weather which allowed the builder to move pretty quickly on framing the cabin.

Breaking ground!

The foundation!

It's starting to look like a cabin!

Almost ready for painting!

We should be in sometime later this month, or next. This has been such a fun and exciting process. Brett, Lynda and I have really enjoyed picking out all the details that will make this cabin a beautiful home where we can make fun memories for years to come. Can't wait to get started!

Thursday, March 30, 2017

My baby boy is moving out. Brett and Erik just reserved a dorm at BYU. He will officially be a Helaman Halls resident come August. We are so excited for this next stage in Erik's life. Now we just have to wait to see who his roommate will be. I've tried to convince him that I would make a great roommate, but he's not having it.

Sunday, March 19, 2017

I can't believe how quickly time passes. Once upon a time I was an avid blog writer. I tried hard to record the little details of our lives as they were happening, then life got in the way. Things got very busy for me as I went back to school to accomplish my goal of obtaining my degree. It took 4 years of hard work for me, but I did it! I graduated on July 20, 2016 with a BS in Marriage and Family studies from Brigham Young University-Idaho. Brett and I decided that it would be a great opportunity for us to head to Rexburg, ID to participate in the commencement and graduation festivities. It was a surreal experience for me to step on campus for the first time and to reflect on all that I had accomplished. I was so thankful that my family was there to support me! Going back to school and getting my degree has blessed my life in so many ways. first, My secular knowledge and testimony have increased simultaneously. I also gained greater confidence in myself and in my talents. I learned to value family life in our society far more than I did. I also developed skills that have helped me to strengthen my own family. Even though the process of working towards my degree was difficult at times, it was so worth it in the end! This has become one of the greatest blessings in my life.

Other changes since I last blogged...
We moved to UT! We were blessed in 2015 to be able to move our family home to Utah. We now reside in Cache Valley and we couldn't be happier! We love raising our family and living here in this beautiful valley. When we moved here Erik started his junior year in high school, and had just gotten his driver's license. Cameron started 8th grade. Austin started 4th grade, and Ethan started 1st grade. The boys adjusted really well to their new schools and made friends fairly quickly. We could truly see the hand of the Lord in our lives with all these changes. The boys were truly blessed with good friends. We have now been here for the past year and a half and still feel so happy and content to be here. Erik is now 2 months away from graduating from high school. Cameron is wrapping up his freshman year and is looking for ward to getting his learner's permit later this year. Austin is finishing up 5th grade and has really enjoyed playing basketball and baseball here. Ethan is finishing 2nd grade this year. He is growing up so quickly! He is counting down to his birthday in a couple of months and is really excited about the opportunity that he will have to be baptized!

Erik Junior year 2015-2016

Erik Senior year 2016-2017Class of 2017!

Cameron 8th grade 2015-2016

Cameron 9th gradeFreshman 2016-2017

Austin 4th grade 2015-2016

Austin 5th grade 2016-2017Student council

Ethan 1st grade 2015-2016

Ethan 2nd grade 2016-2017

One more big change to share. After graduation I stumbled across a job posting that I thought would be a perfect fit for me. I applied, interviewed and got the job. This past year I have been teaching preschool for Logan school district! I love my job! This year has been part-time which is perfect as it has helped me to ease back into the work force and has still left plenty of time to care for my family as well. I am really enjoying putting my education to good use by working in a job that is challenging and extremely rewarding!

Friday, March 3, 2017

We just got the good news...Erik will be attending BYU in the fall! This boy has worked so hard to make this dream come true. After months of waiting, he received his acceptance letter and will be a freshman there this fall. I couldn't be happier or more proud of this boy of mine!

Saturday, December 3, 2016

Is there anything more beautiful than the Salt Lake Temple all lit up for Christmas? I think not! Brett and I decided that it would be fun to take the boys to Salt Lake to see the Christmas lights. We decided to invite some family members along for the fun (we love living near family). We met up with Grandma and Grandpa McGee, Grandma Stewart, Kevin and Breanne, and Matt and his kids. First we enjoyed pizza at The Pie in Salt Lake (one of our favorite restaurants), then it was off to Temple Square to soak in some Christmas spirit.

Salt Lake Temple

Ethan and Austin

Erik and Cameron

My boyfriend :)

We're so happy to be able to do these fun things with family! Can't wait for next year!